Question

Explain the reason of n/z > 1 for stable larger nuclei while n/z = 1 for lighter nuclei.

Answer 1

Explanation:

If the N/Z ratio is greater than 1, alpha decay increases the N/Z ratio, and hence provides a common pathway towards stability for decays involving large nuclei with too few neutrons. Positron emission and electron capture also increase the ratio, while beta decay will decrease the ratio.